IGP approves Iniedu as new Force spokesman, replaces Placid after three months
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the appointment of CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu as the new Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, barely three months after his predecessor, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, took over the role.
A statement issued by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, Placid, on Friday, described Iniedu as a seasoned officer with extensive experience in public communication, operational policing, amongst others.
IPOB threatens sanctions against members defying Kanu amid leadership rift
The Indigenous People of Biafra on Friday threatened disciplinary action against members it accused of undermining the authority of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, amid efforts to resolve a growing leadership dispute within the organisation.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group warned that any member or faction acting contrary to Kanu’s directives or the organisation’s Code of Conduct would face sanctions.
FG mulls plan to let journalists embed with troops during operations
The Federal Government is considering a new initiative that would allow journalists to accompany military personnel during selected operations.
This was said to be in a bid to improve security reporting and give the public greater insight into the realities of counterinsurgency and other internal security efforts. The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed the plan at an event in Abuja.
CP Sanusi gives FCT DPOs two-week ultimatum to end robbery in city centre
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, CP Ahmed Sanusi, has directed all 17 Divisional Police Officers under the Metro Area Command to end robbery and related criminal activities within the city centre within two weeks.
Sanusi gave the directive on Friday during a meeting with the DPOs convened to review the prevailing security situation and strengthen operational strategies across the command.
Tinubu grants Customs boss Adeniyi final six-month tenure extension
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday granted a six-month tenure extension to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who disclosed this in a statement, said the six-month extension is the final one for Adeniyi.
Court jails slain terrorist Battujo’s mother, sister 20 years each
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to slain terrorist kingpin, Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to 20 years imprisonment each for terrorism-related offences.
The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are the mother and sister, respectively, of Battujo, who was killed by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, during an operation near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Troops neutralise 15 terrorists, rescue 25 captives in one week — DHQ
The military has announced that troops operating across multiple theatres of operation nationwide in the past one week neutralised 15 terrorists, arrested 28 suspects and rescued 25 kidnapped victims in coordinated counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday while giving an update on ongoing military operations across the country.
Tinubu orders permanent security reinforcement at NIPSS after bandit attack
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, following a recent bandit attack on the institution’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.
The President conveyed the directive through Vice President Kashim Shettima during a visit to participants of the Senior Executive Course, SEC, 48 at the institute on Friday.
Fourteen contestants, one prize: Ekiti decides next governor today
As Ekiti State goes to polls for its governorship election today, eligible voters will decide who will occupy the Oke Ayoba Government House for the next four years.
No fewer than fourteen politicians are going to be on the ballot for the state’s top job.
SDP denies quitting Ekiti governorship race, says Alade still in contest
The Social Democratic Party has dismissed reports claiming it withdrew from Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, describing the information as fabricated and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said the party’s candidate, Isaac Alade, remained firmly in the race and was duly recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
‘Wike, You Have Not Disappointed Me’ – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu on Friday praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying he had justified the confidence reposed in him.
Naija News reports that Tinubu spoke during the inauguration of Collector Road CN2, also known as Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard, and other road networks in the Katampe District of Abuja.
The President was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track record. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President.
“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason,” Tinubu said.
He said the project showed that his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was producing visible results.
Tinubu said the newly completed road reflected the administration’s commitment to restoring confidence in governance through infrastructure.
He added that solar-powered street lights installed along major corridors had improved security and revived Abuja’s nightlife.
“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” he said.
Police Confirm Appointment Of Iniedu As Force PRO To Replace Placid
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the appointment of CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu as the new Force Public Relations Officer.
A statement on Friday, by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the appointment was approved by the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu.
He described CSP Iniedu as a seasoned police officer with extensive experience in public communication, operational policing, intelligence management, institutional accountability, and administration.
Naija News reports that the new PRO is a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has undergone several professional trainings in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, human rights-based policing, strategic communication, and intelligence analysis.
Court Sentences Nyanya Bombing Convict To Death
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 37-year-old man, Zakaria Garba, to death by hanging over his involvement in the 2014 Nyanya Motor Park bomb explosions.
Naija News understands that no fewer than 70 people were killed in the attack, while several others were injured.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after Garba pleaded guilty to a five-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.
The court sentenced Garba to 35 years’ imprisonment on counts one and two, life imprisonment on count three, and death by hanging on counts four and five.
“May God have mercy on you,” the judge said.
The charge was filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
In count three, Garba and others, who were said to be at large, were accused of conspiring to commit acts of terrorism by planning and coordinating the bombing of Nyanya Motor Park, Abuja, with explosive devices.
The bombing led to the death of over 70 people and injuries to many others.
In counts four and five, the prosecution said Garba and others detonated explosives at the park with intent to cause death and serious bodily harm.
Justice Omotosho also sentenced other defendants who pleaded guilty to separate terrorism charges. Ali Mohammed was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment on count one and 15 years on count two.
Isa Saleh and Tujan Mohammed were each sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for separate charges.
Salisu Bala was sentenced to 20 years on count two but discharged and acquitted on counts one and three.
Diezani Alison-Madueke Breaks Silence On $153 Million, 80 Properties Allegation After UK Acquittal
Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has addressed allegations of more than 80 properties being linked to her.
Naija News reports that the former minister, who served under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan between 2010 and 2015, was recently acquitted by a jury at Southwark Crown Court of five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery after a trial that began in January.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had said it also recovered about $153 million and more than 80 properties from the former minister in 2022.
However, speaking during an interview on the BBC, Alison-Madueke stated that the assets could not be traced directly to her.
She said, “The assets that have been forfeited were not actually traced directly to me… I don’t know what has happened to these matters at all. It’s now that I’ll have the freedom to find out what exactly has gone on there.”
After her acquittal, Alison-Madueke said she would speak about the events of the past decade and her future plans “in due course.”
Tinubu Orders Security Reinforcement At NIPSS After Attack
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.
Naija News reports that the directive followed a recent attack on the institute’s perimeter, which claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.
Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the directive on Friday during a visit to the institute, where he addressed participants of Senior Executive Course 48 on behalf of the President.
Shettima said the attack had strengthened the Federal Government’s resolve to protect critical national institutions and support security personnel.
The Vice President said Tinubu had ordered emergency security measures around the institute.
Shettima described NIPSS as Nigeria’s strategic intellectual nerve centre and a vital national asset. Addressing staff and participants, he assured them that their safety remained a priority.
PDP Crisis: Court Orders Accelerated Hearing In BoT Suit Against INEC
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered accelerated hearing in a suit filed by the Senator Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the leadership crisis rocking the party.
Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order after counsel to the plaintiffs, Chief Gordy Uche, SAN, informed the court that the matter was time-bound in view of INEC’s revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, which he said gave July as an ultimatum.
The plaintiffs, made up of members of the Wabara-led BoT and the PDP, are asking the court to compel INEC to recognise the Kabir Turaki-led interim National Working Committee of the party and reflect the same on its official website.
They are also seeking an order directing the electoral umpire to update its records and publish on its website the names of members of the interim NWC as forwarded to it by the plaintiffs and the party’s National Executive Committee.
According to the plaintiffs, the names of members of the Kabir Turaki-led interim NWC were forwarded to INEC through letters dated May 4.
Naija News reports that the originating summons, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1159/2026, was filed on June 4 by a team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN.
The plaintiffs are former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; BoT Secretary and former Niger State governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu; former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana; and PDP chieftain, Olabode George, as 1st to 4th plaintiffs.
Others are former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Maryam Ciroma; former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina; BoT and NEC member, Dame Esther Uduehi; and the PDP as 5th to 8th plaintiffs, respectively.
Police Restrict Movement For Ekiti Governorship Election
The Ekiti State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced a restriction on movement ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, in the state.
A statement on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said the restriction would take effect from midnight (12:00 a.m.) to 6:00 p.m. and cover both intra-state and inter-state roads within Ekiti.
Naija News reports that the measure was part of comprehensive security arrangements aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and violence-free election.
Abutu noted that the restriction would apply to all forms of motorised transportation, including private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, and motorcycles.
According to him, students and candidates participating in national structured examinations and assessments are exempted from the restriction and are allowed to proceed to their examination centres.
The command’s spokesperson added that movement of VIPs with armed escorts to polling units and collation centres would not be allowed.
Abutu advised construction companies undertaking road projects in the state to suspend active construction work for the duration of the election, citing safety concerns.
He said that only personnel of recognised security agencies and organisations under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) would be authorised to provide security at polling units, collation centres, and other election facilities.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, as urging registered voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, assuring residents of adequate security before, during, and after the poll.
Shogunle also called on members of the public to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
Elye Wahi Cleared To Travel For Ivory Coast’s World Cup Clash Against Germany
Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada for the Elephants’ World Cup meeting with Germany, despite being at the centre of an investigation into alleged betting-related offences.
The Ivorian football federation confirmed the development on Friday after initially indicating that the 23-year-old would be unable to make the trip. In a revised statement, the federation said the necessary authorisations had now been obtained.
Wahi featured in the Ivory Coast’s 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia on Monday and is expected to be available when the Elephants take on Germany in Toronto on Saturday.
The forward is currently under investigation in France over alleged spot-fixing activities linked to a Ligue 1 fixture.
French football authorities revealed on Wednesday that an “unusual amount of bets” had been placed internationally on Wahi receiving a yellow card during OGC Nice’s goalless draw against Metz on May 17.
According to the French league, betting-monitoring partners flagged suspicious activity surrounding the match after Wahi was booked. The matter was subsequently referred to police, gambling regulators and the French Football Federation.
Ycee Reveals Why He Took Break From Music
Nigerian singer Oludemilade Martin Alejo, popularly known as YCee, has explained why he stayed away from music for some years.
Naija News reports that he shared this during a recent livestream conversation with streamer Cater Efe.
He said his time away from the music industry was used to focus on himself and grow as a person.
According to him, he stepped back to better understand his life and direction, and he has now returned to music.
He said: “I have been on the mountain. I went on a journey of self-discovery. But I am back.”
YCee also spoke about his stage name “Omo Alhaji” and said it came from his father’s Muslim background, even though he does not practice the religion.
He added that his personal belief is based on love as a guiding principle in life.
Before his break, YCee was widely known in the Nigerian music scene for songs like Jagaban, Juice, and Omo Alhaji, which helped him gain popularity across the country.
My Friends Were Scared To Call Me – Francis Duru Speaks On Battling Illness
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has dismissed reports circulating on social media that he is suffering from a serious health condition.
Naija News reports that the rumours spread after a video showing the actor looking weak and unwell surfaced online, causing concern among fans, colleagues, and well-wishers.
The footage quickly gained attention across various social media platforms, leading many to question the actor’s health status.
In a video posted on his Instagram page on Friday, the 56-year-old actor described the claims as false and misleading.
He stated that he has never experienced the kind of illness portrayed in the viral clip and maintained that he is in good health.
Duru said the video was deliberately created to spread false information about him.
According to him, some individuals use negative and misleading content to attract attention and increase online traffic without considering the impact such actions have on the people involved.
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